Understanding Powder Coating Lead Times: IFS & PPG
When it comes to powder-coated finishes, timing is just as important as color. At Awake, we partner with two trusted powder coating brands—IFS Coatings and PPG Industries —to offer durable, architecturally rated finishes that align with your design vision and project schedule.
Here’s a breakdown of what to expect when it comes to lead times, color availability, and planning ahead:
Make-To-Stock (MTS) IFS Finishes – Fastest Turnaround
Awake offers (10) standard colors that we use most often. These colors can be viewed on our website, and color chips are available through your Territory Manager.
We DO NOT stock these colors, but they do not require a color matching process, which does eliminate lead time and some extra cost from the process. Occasionally, we will have some extra raw powder from a previous project, which can shorten lead times. That is typically the exception, and not the rule. Instead, please plan on following these lead times to order the powder for your color choices:
IFS 2604-rated Super Durable Polyester finishes:
- 25 business days for solid colors:
- Apollo White, Bone White, Fashion Gray, Seawolf, Antique Bronze, Charcoal, Colonial Gray
- 35 business days for bonded metallics:
- Anodized Silver, Medium Bronze
Make-To-Order (MTO) Finishes – Expanded Color Options
For custom finishes or those outside our core lineup, both IFS and PPG provide Make-To-Order service. This requires an added process of color matching. When utilizing a custom color, a chip must be sent to Awake, who will then send it to either IFS or PPG to get a color match chip for your approval. The lead time for a color-matched chip to arrive is:
- Custom color chips: ~25–45 business days (based on color complexity)
If that color is approved and is ready to go into production, here are the additional lead times you would need to plan for Awake to be able to acquire the powder:
IFS 2604 Series
- Solid colors: ~25 business days
- Bonded metallics: ~35+ business days
PPG Industries Coraflon Platinum® 2605 Series (High-performance fluoropolymer finishes)
- Solid finishes: ~25 business days
- Bonded metallic finishes: ~35-45+ business days
Color Chips & Shelf Life
- Color Chips: Most standard chip samples from IFS and PPG can be delivered in 1 week or less.
- Shelf Life: Most powder coatings (IFS & PPG) are rated for 12 months when stored below 80°F in a dry location.
Total Lead Time Considerations
Awake will not enter a painted order into production until we have:
- Signed and approved color chip
- Signed and approved shop drawings
- Signed and approved Dealer Quote
- 50% deposit
Once all of those items have been finalized (keep in mind the lead time for items such as color matching, which happen pre-production), the total lead time from order entering production to shipping to the field is currently 14-17 weeks. This includes the procurement time Awake receives the powder, but does not include the color matching process or receipt and approval of the color chip, which occur before entering production.
Thus, total lead time with production and color matching can easily approach 18-20 weeks. Please plan accordingly so we can ensure that we meet your schedule needs.
Planning Ahead
Whether you’re on a tight deadline or pursuing a unique design vision, it’s important to account for powder lead times early in your planning process:
- For quick turnarounds, select from Awake’s stocked IFS and PPG color options.
- For custom finishes, add 25–45+ business days depending on brand and finish type.
- For color-matching or special projects, our team is happy to assist with chip approvals and logistics.
At Awake, we’re committed to transparency and coordination. Our team works closely with IFS and PPG to keep your projects on track and your vision intact. Reach out to your Awake representative with any questions—we’re here to help you finish strong.